Audience Feedback

The Press says:

"[HOW TO LOSE YOUR VIRGINITY], with breezy, watchable, funny delivery, walks us through the simple argument baked into the very term virginity — one that we still use freely — is an idea of a woman’s body as an object for transaction."— Salon

“Smart!"— Elle Magazine

“Shechter and her film are part of a new vanguard of feminist thinkers and media makers seeking to redefine how we think about virginity–or do away with the concept altogether."— Daily Life (Australia)

"...approaches the difficult subject with warmth and humor. I recommend it for anyone who desires a serious, grown-up, critical overview of the issue of sex and virginity in contemporary America."— Anthropology Review

"A breath of fresh, comedic air."— Tribeca Film Blog

“Tackles one of the last taboos in our culture’s discussion of sex – the deliberate decision not to participate in it.” — Forbes.com

“Virginity is a powerful and malleable concept, as evidenced by the teenagers in Therese Shechter’s smart, funny and provoking documentary.”— Huffington Post

“Shechter’s ability to teach, dismantle, expose and explore is remarkable. The audience is left with newfound knowledge with which they can criticize myths of virginity in our culture. However, the audience is also left with respect for everyone’s stories. When a documentary can do that, it succeeds in a big way.” — Bitch Flicks

"In spite of the fascinating and telling historical context, the true triumph of HOW TO LOSE YOUR VIRGINITY is in how relatable it is."— Feministing

"Shechter gets us talking about our V-cards (whether we’ve cashed them in or whether we’re holding on tight) and creates an important documentary in the process."— Bust Magazine

“A hilarious, enraging, engaging film."— The Gloss

audiences say:

"The film doesn't advocate sexual activity or abstinence--only that what you do should be your choice and your timing and free from judgment or shame. My girls have both seen the film and appreciated its candor and that of the young people in it."–Lynne, mother of two teenage girls

"Screening HTLYV is an engaging event (the crowd was laughing and gasping throughout the movie), and RISD students loved hearing from an artist who understands the power of being an image-maker and uses that power to bring insight to significant social issues."– RISD Feminists, Rhode Island School of Design

“Therese helped us dispel damaging notions about virginity and challenged us to think about our beliefs in an interesting and inclusive way." — Harvard Sex Week

“We were so thrilled to partner with Trixie Films and Therese to host a screening of her amazing documentary during our 2014 Sex Ed Weeks of Action! We loved this educational collaboration!”– Planned Parenthood of New York City

"Having Therese participate in our “Selling Your Virginity” panel event was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and did a great job in interacting with the NYU community. We have heard nothing but great things about her and our event!”— New York University

“The teen Peer Leaders from the TORCH Program were grateful to have the opportunity to screen the film with Therese and discuss their reactions with her afterwards. It was eye-opening for them to see the parallels Therese makes in the film between the historical context of virginity to some of the current cultural practices we accept as the norm. Great film!”— TORCH, NARAL Pro-Choice New York

“Having Therese visit my Human Sexuality class was a great experience for my students, and her perspective gave a depth to the conversation that I never would have been able to provide on my own. The topic of virginity is so multi-faceted and complicated, the film was a great way to jump start a discussion and get students engaged in all the reasons this word is difficult to define.”— Prof. Bronwen Pardes, LaGuardia Community College

“I learned so much and felt validated in many of my private feelings. What a gift that is! It’s urgent to dilute the powerful social and religious shaming messages that have gone unchallenged for so long."— Karen, Audience member